RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

"We Are an Active Family": Promoting Child Physical Activity Through Social Identity Formation in the Family System

This study, called "We Are an Active Family," aims to find the best ways to help children aged 6 to 12 get more exercise. Researchers are exploring if encouraging families to build a strong 'active identity' – where being active is just part of who they are – leads to children exercising more in the long run. They’ll compare this approach with more typical advice and planning about physical activity. The main goal is to see if forming this active family identity helps children do more moderate to vigorous exercise after six months. This research could help doctors and parents find better ways to encourage healthy habits in kids across the UK.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Victoria

Enrolment target

148

Start

10 Aug 2023

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2026

Physical Activity Social Identity

What is this study about?

This research study is looking into how families can encourage their children to be more physically active. We know that being active is really important for children's health, but sometimes it's hard to keep it up. This study is testing a new idea: what if we help families see themselves as an 'active family'? This means making physical activity a natural and enjoyable part of their family life and identity, rather than just something they have to do.

The researchers want to compare this 'active family identity' approach with a more common way of encouraging activity, which often involves giving out general information and helping families plan their exercise. They want to see which method is more effective at helping children aged 6 to 12 do more moderate and vigorous exercise – like running, cycling, or playing active games – over a six-month period. This study is important because finding better ways to help children be consistently active can improve their health and well-being for years to come.

Beyond just looking at how much children exercise, the study also wants to understand if the 'active family identity' approach can improve children's fitness levels. It will explore whether supportive parents make a big difference in how active their children become. The findings could offer new strategies for families and health professionals to help children lead healthier, more active lives.

Key takeaways

This study explores new ways to help children aged 6-12 become more active.
It compares encouraging a family 'active identity' with standard exercise advice.
The main goal is to see which method helps children exercise more over six months.
Families with children currently doing less than 60 minutes of daily activity may be eligible.
The study aims to improve children's fitness and long-term activity habits.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a parent, guardian, or caregiver with at least one child between the ages of 6 and 12 years old. You and your family should live in certain areas of British Columbia, Canada, including Greater Victoria, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Duncan, Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, or Burnaby.

Your child should generally be doing less than 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. This study is specifically for children who could benefit from becoming more active. All family members wanting to take part will also need to complete a simple health questionnaire (called a PARQ) to make sure they are well enough for the activities involved in the study.

Children who are already very active (meaning they do 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous activity daily) won't be able to join. Also, if the health questionnaire suggests that physical activity might not be safe for anyone in the family, they wouldn't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have at least one child aged 6 to 12 years old?
Does your family live in Greater Victoria, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Duncan, Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, or Burnaby, British Columbia?
Is your child currently doing less than 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day?
Are you able to complete a health questionnaire (PARQ) for all participants?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Details about what taking part involves aren't fully described, but in general, if you join this study, your family would likely be asked to follow one of two approaches to encouraging physical activity. One approach focuses on building a strong 'active family identity,' while the other involves receiving general education and planning advice about exercise. You would participate for at least six months.

During the study, researchers would track how active your child is, possibly using activity monitors or by asking you to fill out questionnaires. They might also measure your child's fitness levels at the beginning and end of the study. There would likely be some educational sessions or materials to guide you through your assigned approach. You and your family wouldn't need to take any medication, and there aren't any specific visits mentioned beyond these potential initial and follow-up assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include getting support and ideas to help your child become more physically active, which could lead to improved health and fitness for your child and possibly the whole family. There are generally very few risks associated with increasing physical activity when done safely; however, as with any exercise program, there's always a slight chance of minor aches or strains. All participants will complete a health questionnaire beforehand to help ensure activities are safe. Remember, participating in any study is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw yourself or your child at any time without having to give a reason, and it will not affect your child's medical care.

Locations (2)

Psychology of Exercise, Health, and Physical Activity (PEHPA) Laboratory, University of British Columbia
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada· Not yet recruiting
Behavioural Medicine Lab, University of Victoria
Verified postcode
Victoria, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What does 'moderate to vigorous physical activity' mean?

This refers to activities that get your heart pumping and make you breathe a bit harder, like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or playing active games.

What kind of families are you looking for?

We're looking for families with at least one child aged 6-12 who aren't currently getting enough daily exercise (less than 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity).

What is meant by 'social identity' in this study?

'Social identity' here means helping your family strongly identify as being an 'active' family, where exercise is a natural and valued part of your family life.

Will my child have to do specific exercises?

The study aims to encourage overall physical activity. You'd likely be given guidance rather than a strict exercise plan, focusing on activities your family enjoys.

Is this study safe for my child?

Yes, safety is important. All participants will complete a health questionnaire to ensure it's safe for them to increase their physical activity levels.

How to find out more

Evie Streight, MSc.

bml@uvic.ca 250 472 5288 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.